STEEL CUP: Big East Antrim derby in store

The first-round draw for this season’s Toals Steel and Sons Cup has thrown up an intriguing East Antrim derby.

It may not have been earmarked as the tie of the round, but in local footballing circles the stand-out out match is Larne Tech’s trip to Mossley.

The Glademen, managed so well by Garry Campbell, earned promotion to the Amateur League’s Division 1B last term and they might just fancy their chances of sneaking past Johnny Hastings’ men when the two sides meet on August 13.

Elsewhere in the round-one draw, revitalised 18th Newtownabbey Old Boys, who have recruited heavily over the summer months, will entertain Brantwood at Cloyne Crescent. A win for the Monkstown men would set up a home tie against Glentoran reserves at the next stage of the competition.

Stephen Donald’s Wellington Rec are the only other East Antrim side in action in the opening round and they face the prospect of a trip to Ballynahinch United.

Several local clubs have been given a passport straight to round two (August 27) with Rathfern Rangers away to Ballymena United U20s. Carrick Rangers U20s entertain Lisburn Rangers while new-look UUJ are on the road at St Luke’s.

Elsewhere, Ronnie Burns’ Ballynure Old Boys will travel to the winners of Sirrocco Works or Derriaghy CC and there’s a home draw for Barn United who welcome Portaferry Rovers to Haslett Park.

Islandmagee, who, under Stephen King, have introduced in a string of new faces in recent weeks, are away to Orangefield while Nortel will travel to Bangor or Donard Hospital.